The 2024 MLB postseason is heating up as the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals are set to clash in the highly anticipated Wild Card Series at Camden Yards. The best-of-three series promises to deliver high-stakes baseball, starting Tuesday, October 1st at 4:08 p.m. ET.
Teams Overcome Challenges
This is the second consecutive postseason appearance for the Baltimore Orioles, who secured the No. 4 seed after finishing second to the Yankees in the AL East with a commendable 91-71 record. Last year, they faced the bitter disappointment of being swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers. However, Baltimore enters the postseason with renewed vigor. Their offense, which scored an impressive 56 runs in the final 10 games of the regular season, is expected to carry this momentum into the series.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Royals’ journey to the postseason is nothing short of remarkable. A year removed from a dismal 106-loss season, the Royals not only bounced back but also clinched the No. 5 seed. They join the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins as teams in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season. For the Royals, this postseason births memories of their 2015 World Series glory, marking their first playoff appearance since that championship run.
Pitching Matchups Set the Stage
The starting pitchers for Game 1 are right-hander Corbin Burnes for Baltimore and left-hander Cole Ragans for Kansas City. Burnes, a seasoned ace, posted a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA, showcasing his prowess throughout the season. Ragans, not to be underestimated, delivered an 11-9 record with a respectable 3.14 ERA. Both teams will be relying heavily on their starters to set the tone for the series.
If the series extends to a third game, Kansas City is expected to start Michael Wacha, while Baltimore has already confirmed Corbin Burnes as their Game 1 starter. Kansas City's success will also hinge on contributions from key players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Both Ragans and Lugo are anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, underscoring their pivotal roles in the team's strategy.
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
Baltimore's defense will be tested by Kansas City's aggressive base-running. The Royals swiped the third most bases among postseason teams, a strategy that could exploit Baltimore’s defense, which has a 20% caught stealing rate. Vinnie Pasquantino’s potential return to the roster remains uncertain; he has been working out and hitting but hasn't played since August 29 due to a broken thumb. His inclusion could add a vital boost to Kansas City's lineup.
The odds for the series slightly favor the Orioles at -155, while the Royals stand at +130. With an over/under of 7.0 runs, both teams are expected to rely on their pitching depth and timely hitting to navigate through the high-pressure games. The stakes couldn't be higher, as the winner of this series will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
As the postseason unfolds, fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter at Camden Yards, where every pitch, swing, and defensive play will be magnified under the glare of playoff lights. Baltimore aims to capitalize on their recent experience, while Kansas City seeks to write a new chapter in their storied history. With both teams poised and ready, the Wild Card Series is set to be a captivating spectacle.